CHAPELIZOD N S
School Details
About
St Laurence’s National School, Chapelizod, is a small, two‑class primary school situated in the heart of Chapelizod Village on the doorstep of Phoenix Park. Operating under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, the school offers an exceptionally low pupil‑to‑teacher ratio, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where each child’s individual needs can be met. The school’s premises, housed in a historic building over two centuries old, provide a safe and nurturing setting for children from Junior Infants to 6th class. The educational approach is centred on an encouraging and enabling ethos, aiming to develop effective communicators, creative thinkers, caring family members and responsible citizens. With a dedicated teaching team supported by a Special Education Teacher and a Special Needs Assistant, the curriculum is broad and varied, incorporating seasonal excursions to Phoenix Park, a strong visual‑arts programme, and community‑based initiatives. Enrichment activities such as “Maths all around us” and family‑history projects extend learning beyond the classroom, while wellbeing programmes and creative projects foster mental and physical health. Recent initiatives include a move towards a paper‑less operation, with permission slips and information now distributed electronically, and the introduction of digital communication channels to keep parents informed. The school also celebrates cultural and charitable events, such as fundraising for CMRF Crumlin and participation in the Peace Proms, reinforcing a sense of community and social responsibility among pupils.
History
The school building has been in existence for over two hundred years. Originally a Catholic prayer house, it was purchased by the Church of Ireland more than a century ago and has been used as a school ever since.